Chef Esther Choi recently appeared on the latest episode of Bobby Flay’s podcast, “Bobby on the Beat,” where she reminisced about her victory on the competitive cooking show “Bobby’s Triple Threat.” Choi reflected on her experience during the second season, which aired in 2023, and recounted the culinary challenge she faced against Flay’s girlfriend, Brooke Williamson, who is known as one of the show’s elite chefs.
Choi humorously credited a stroke of luck for her win, stating, “Thank God, that’s how I won,” and playfully added, “Sorry, Brooke, I love you so much. If your rice cooker worked, I would have lost that day. I got lucky.” Flay chimed in, noting the presence of a “titan” in the room, which led to laughter from Williamson, who was watching the conversation off-camera. Choi emphasized the role of that single moment of fortune in her success on the show.
This episode is not Williamson’s first appearance on Flay’s podcast; the couple previously discussed their connection that began on the set of Alex Guarnaschelli’s “Supermarket Stakeout,” which eventually led to a deeper relationship. Flay reached out to Williamson after she wrote a heartfelt piece for the Los Angeles Times about the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Williamson reminisced about receiving a FaceTime call from Flay after a year of silence, where he praised her work and acknowledged her representation of the industry.
While the couple has shared intimate moments and milestones with their fans since going public in March 2025, both have indicated they do not wish to marry again. Flay mentioned during an appearance on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show that he gave Williamson a diamond ring not as a traditional engagement, but rather as a symbol of their commitment to each other. “It’s okay. So, like, it’s great having a life partner,” he explained.
This light-hearted exchange not only showcases the camaraderie among chefs in the competitive culinary world but also highlights the personal connections that often blossom from shared experiences. As both Choi and Williamson continue to make their marks in the culinary scene, their stories of resilience and collaboration remain inspiring.